Croatian President Zoran Milanovic greets soldiers after the final presentation of the joint military exercise ‘Combat Power 25’. [Getty]
Croatia will not sign off on the appointment of a new Israeli ambassador because of the policies of Israel’s current government, President Zoran Milanovic said Monday.
Milanovic, a vocal critic of Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza, said the proposed ambassador “has not received, nor will receive” his approval.
Nissan Amdur, named in November to replace the current ambassador, is expected to arrive in Croatia at the end of May as charge d’affaires, a post that does not require presidential approval, according to Israeli media.
“Granting or withholding approval for proposed ambassadors is the sovereign right of the Republic of Croatia,” the Croatian president said in a written statement.
He also accused Israel of “breaking the unwritten rule” by publicly naming the nominee before approval had been granted.
The left-wing president is at odds with Croatia’s conservative government, which has taken a more pro-Israel stance. Although he has limited political powers, the president is responsible for confirming ambassadorial appointments.
Israel’s genocide in Gaza since October 2023 has killed more than 72,000 people, mostly civilians. Despite an October ceasefire, Israel still strikes Gaza.
